The Hockey Nuts Podcast, Season 2, Episode 28 is live!

Coming up on this episode of the Hockey Nuts, Steve and I get you caught up with all of the news of the past week around the hockey world. More teams are falling out of the playoff race, and a couple have already been mathematically eliminated. This past week, there were milestones, injuries, transactions, hockey hair contests, and even a goalie scoring a goal. We’ll have the details of all this plus the Minor League Hockey Minute, The NCAA hockey minute and our picks of the week

Brian MacLellan has signed a contract to remain general manager of the Washington Capitals, the team confirmed Friday. MacLellan, 59, is in the final season of his contract. He was promoted to GM on May 26, 2014, after serving as assistant GM for seven seasons under George McPhee, who was fired after the Capitals failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2013-14. Washington has qualified for the playoffs in each of three seasons under MacLellan, winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2015-16 and 2016-17, but the Capitals have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since making their lone Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1997-98. Coach Barry Trotz’s future remains unclear. He was hired May 26, 2014, to replace Adam Oates and his contract is due to expire after this season. Trotz, 55, is fifth in NHL history with 750 wins and 1,509 games coached. He is 750-565-134 with 60 ties in 19 NHL seasons, including 193-86-34 in four seasons with the Capitals.

Ron Francis is no longer general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. Francis will become Hurricanes president of hockey operations, and Carolina will immediately begin a search for a new GM who will report directly to Tom Dundon, who became majority owner Jan. 11. “Since I took control of the team, I’ve had a good chance to be around and assess the operations,” Dundon said. “There are a lot of good people working in the organization, but I feel that a change in direction is needed when it comes to hockey personnel decisions. “Ron is a smart and talented hockey man. I am glad that he will continue to be a part of the team, serving in this new role.” Francis has been Hurricanes GM since 2014, when he was promoted to replace Jim Rutherford. He has been in Carolina management for 12 seasons. Carolina has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs once (2008-09) since winning the Cup in 2005-06. The Hurricanes (29-27-11) trail the Columbus Blue Jackets by four points for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference with 15 games remaining. “We’re just trying to break up the hockey stuff,” he said. “We’re undermanned there. We could stand to continue to evolve, in a good way, to get more throughput.” The following day, Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon fielded a host of phone calls from media in the aftermath of the announcement Wednesday that the Hurricanes will begin searching for a new general manager after shifting Ron Francis from GM into a new role as president of hockey operations. Dundon, who became Carolina’s majority owner Jan. 11, was aware before those phone calls of the outside perception he wants to be hands-on in all decisions, including those involving hockey operations, and said, “I think short term, it’s probably accurate.” But he said that’s not his long-term plan. “I think it’s appropriate right now that I challenge and question everything we do, so we can get a process that everyone buys into and we’re comfortable with,” Dundon said. “Once we do, I would be less likely to be involved with things that I think are working properly.” Less than two months after taking over, Dundon is far from satisfied with how things are working. “This wasn’t strategic that, ‘Oh, we need to do something.’ This was not that,” Dundon said. “I really hope we start winning. I know the players care. They’re trying. I’m actually happiest about that. They’re frustrated. You’ve got to realize that they work harder than we do and they sacrifice a lot. They care. They’re trying hard. I’m not upset with anybody.” But as far as the long-term structure Dundon is trying to establish, he said he didn’t believe he and Francis, who was in his fourth season as GM, were on the same page. “Over time, he and I just kind of agreed that our styles were such that [team president] would be a better role for him and the organization probably could use more throughout,” Dundon said. “There’s so much to do, it was just a better fit for everybody.” Francis was methodical in rebuilding the Hurricanes through the NHL Draft and smaller trades but wasn’t able to get them into the playoffs. Though Dundon said he and Francis agreed on most things, they didn’t agree on the approach. “I want someone collaborative, someone aggressive, a good fit for how we’re going to go about making decisions,” Dundon said listing the qualities he’d like in the Hurricanes GM. “Someone comfortable with the decision-making process where we take lots of input, and, ultimately, hopefully the decisions are organizational. I think that’s probably what happens in most organizations. “Just someone who’s comfortable acquiring information, whether it’s from scouts and other GMs and other people in the League and their own eye, and putting together a process that we can use to continue to improve the team.” Though Dundon has talked about expanding the Hurricanes analytics staff, he said doesn’t need the GM to be an “analytics guy.” “Because I don’t think that works,” he said. “I think you need a hockey guy that can work with the analytics people to challenge their thoughts. ‘Hey, I think this. Can you show me something that proves or disproves or makes me or less comfortable with what I’ve done?'” Don Waddell, president of Gale Force Sports and Entertainment and in charge of business operations for the Hurricanes and PNC Arena, will lead the GM search, Dundon said, with input from him and Francis. Dundon said he values Francis’ opinion and knowledge and will continue to utilize him as an asset. “I know I want his opinions, and this isn’t about whether I think he’s smart and has good judgment,” he said. “It’s just about the right fit on a day-to-day basis. If you think about it, you’ve got a guy that’s been doing it a certain way and then I show up and I’ve got a different way. That’s harder than someone new coming in knowing, ‘Here’s how it’s going to be. Are you comfortable with that?’ It’s that simple.” As for coach Bill Peters, Dundon said, “I think he’s doing a fine job. We’re just not getting the results.” But Dundon acknowledged the new GM will have a say in whether Peters returns next season. “I’d be lying if I said the new GM wouldn’t have a vote,” Dundon said. “That wouldn’t be fair to bring in a new GM and not give him a vote. By the way, Bill gets a vote too. Bill gets to decide if he wants to be here. But I like him.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Steve Masonhad arthroscopic surgery on his knee Monday and is expected to be sidelined 2-3 weeks, coach Paul Maurice said. Mason missed 21 games with an upper-body injury before returning to play against the New York Rangers on March 6. Despite injuring his knee during that game, Mason made 31 saves to post his 34th career shutout in a 3-0 victory.

Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposowill be out indefinitely because of a concussion. Okposo was injured in a collision with Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan during the second period of the Sabres’ 4-3 shootout win Thursday. Okposo, 29, was hospitalized in March 2017 with what he later described as complications from medication used after being treated for a concussion. Okposo, in the second season of a seven-year contract he signed with Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent, has 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 65 games this season.

Bryan Rusthas a concussion and is out indefinitely for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The forward was injured on a hit into the end boards by Robert Hagg of the Philadelphia Flyers at 8:28 of the first period of a 5-2 win Wednesday. Rust has 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 57 games this season, including 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 17 games since the All-Star break.

Martin Hanzalwill have spinal fusion surgery in the coming days and could miss the start of next season for the Dallas Stars. The recovery time for the surgery is 6-7 months, Stars general manager Jim Nill said Friday. Hanzal had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 38 games this season. The 31-year-old center has missed 29 games because of injury. Nill said Hanzal’s initial injury occurred in late November. He had three injection treatments to try to play through the pain. “It was just something that slowly came upon and it kind of got worse and worse,” Nill said. “He was getting these injections to try to manage it and it finally got the point where the injections didn’t help anymore.” Hanzal has a history of back injuries. He had surgery to repair a herniated disk in July 2008 and another back surgery in February 2015.

Carter Huttonwill not play for the St. Louis Blues against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday after the goaltender injured his neck. Jake Allen will start with Ben Wexler as an emergency backup at SAP Center. Hutton was 1-2-2 in his past six starts, allowing 16 goals. Allen has not won since Feb. 9 (0-4-0 in five games). Wexler, 23, played 26 games over three seasons at the University of Illinois from 2014-17. The Blues recalled goaltender Ville Husso from San Antonio of the American Hockey League under emergency conditions. He will join St. Louis for their game Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Jared Spurgeonis out four weeks with a partial tear of his right hamstring. The Minnesota Wild defenseman was injured in the third period of a 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. He appeared to lose an edge playing the puck and his legs split before he fell into the boards. Spurgeon has 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in 61 games this season. The 28-year-old ranks second on the Wild at 24:33 per game, behind defenseman Ryan Suter (26:46). Spurgeon’s 13 power-play points (three goals, 10 assists) are second among Wild defensemen behind Suter’s 21 (one goal, 20 assists).

Erik Gudbransonhas been removed from the Vancouver Canucks’ active roster to have shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for the season. The defenseman injured his left shoulder during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 22 and missed 12 games before returning Dec. 19 and playing 31 more. The Canucks said in a statement that treatment and rehabilitation allowed Gudbranson to play, but that the 26-year-old decided to have surgery after consulting with the Vancouver medical staff. Gudbranson had two goals, three assists and a minus-7 rating in 52 games this season. He had been part of the Canucks’ top defense pair with Alexander Edler off and on since early February after starting the season playing mostly on the third pair.

Oscar Klefbomwill have season-ending surgery on his left shoulder but the defenseman will continue to play for the Edmonton Oilers until the procedure is scheduled. Klefbom will return to the lineup against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; SN1, SNW, NBCSCA, NHL.TV) after missing the past two games assessing the injury. He had exploratory surgery last week to determine the extent of the damage to his shoulder, which has been problematic all season. “The procedure he had allowed him to digest some information and make a decision about what he’ll do moving forward,” Oilers coach Todd McLellan said. “He will have a cleanup done. It will happen as early as next week. All the details have to be sorted out. Once he gets the procedure done he will not finish the year. But he’s come to us and said he wants to play between now and then, and we’re all for it.” Klefbom, 24, has played the past five seasons with Edmonton. He has 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 63 games this season.

Calle Jarnkrokwill miss the rest of the regular season for the Nashville Predators with an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old center was injured after a hit from Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Copp in the third period of the Predators’ 3-1 win Tuesday and did not return. Jarnkrok has 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 68 games this season.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larssonhas been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for slashing Colorado Avalanche forward Sven Andrighetto during NHL Game No. 1052 on 3/10 in Denver, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced. The incident occurred at 13:54 of the third period. Ekman-Larsson was assessed minor penalties for slashing and cross-checking on the play.

Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Cousinshas been fined $2,000 as supplementary discipline under NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment), the National Hockey League announced 3/9. Cousins was issued a Warning following an incident flagged by NHL Hockey Operations during NHL Game No. 627 against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 4. His second Citation, which triggered the $2,000 fine, was issued for an incident at 13:42 of the second period during NHL Game No. 988 against the Minnesota Wild on March 1. Cousins (embellishment) and Minnesota defenseman Nick Seeler(interference) received offsetting minor penalties on the play.

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchandhas been fined $2,000 as supplementary discipline under NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment), the National Hockey League announced 3/9. Marchand was issued a Warning following an incident flagged by NHL Hockey Operations during NHL Game No. 377 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 29. His second Citation, which triggered the $2,000 fine, was issued for an incident at 5:38 of the second period during NHL Game No. 983 against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 1. Marchand (embellishment) and Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta(tripping) received offsetting minor penalties on the play.

Boston Bruins forward David Backeshas been suspended for three games, without pay, for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen during NHL Game No. 1020 in Boston on Tuesday, March 6, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced Thu. The incident occurred at 19:44 of the first period. Backes was assessed a minor penalty for roughing. Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Backes will forfeit $96,774.18.

Other Interesting Stories:

Arizona Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet is taking a leave of absence to deal with a family illness. “Family comes first,” Coyotes general manager John Chayka said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with [Tocchet] as he deals with this personal matter. It’s important that he takes the time to be there with his family.” John MacLean, named a Coyotes assistant on July 26, will serve as coach until Tocchet returns. The Coyotes, who have a 22-35-11 record in Tocchet’s first season, are 4-1-1 in their past six games and 10-3-2 in their past 15, including a 1-0 win against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday. Goaltender Michael Hutchinson was called up from Manitoba of the American Hockey League on March 8 and will back up Connor Hellebuyck when the Jets face the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Monday.

Alex Nedeljkovic just won’t stop scoring goals. The Carolina Hurricanes prospect scored his second goal in as many seasons, this time shooting the puck into an empty net for Charlotte of the American Hockey League in its 7-3 win against Hartford. With Charlotte ahead 6-3 and about two minutes remaining, Nedeljkovic fielded a dump-in and shot the puck down the ice and into an empty net, whipping the crowd at Bojangles’ Coliseum into a frenzy. He skated to the bench to celebrate, where his teammates and coaches mobbed him. “I was ecstatic,” Nedeljkovic told the Checkers website. “The only thing I wanted to take from [scoring last season] was just to go to the bench and celebrate with those guys, because I didn’t do that last year. When I saw [the puck] was going in, I jumped and I was throwing my hands in the air. I was like a little kid again.” It was Nedeljkovic’s first goal in the AHL, but he scored for Florida of the ECHL last season and became the 12th goalie to score in that league’s history. Nedeljkovic joined Ron Hextall, Martin Brodeur, Chris Mason and Mike Smith as goalies with multiple goals in a North American professional hockey game.

It all began with a promise. Not long before Terry Saik died of colon cancer in 1991, he made a request of his son, Dr. Brent Saik. “He told me to keep kids out of the Cross,” said Brent Saik, the 49-year-old optometrist for the Edmonton Oilers, referring to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. “He knew his time was up but he wanted me to try to keep them out of hospital.” Saik promised to do so, and it has tested his resolve more than he or anyone close to him could have ever expected. After organizing a few baseball and golf tournaments to begin fulfilling that promise, Saik got the idea to raise funds by breaking the record for the world’s longest hockey game. That was 15 years ago, and in that time he has organized and played in six versions of an event — the most recent having been held Feb. 9-19 — that is glorious and grueling, a celebration of hockey, charity and the human spirit. An outdoor event that tests the will of the 40 players who lace up their skates and take the ice for 11 days, practically playing 24/7, all to help others. This year, $1.2 million has been raised with a goal to reach $2 million to help the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Cross Cancer Institute establish the PROFYLE program in Alberta (it is already in place in other provinces). PROFYLE, started by the Terry Fox Foundation, aims to give children, adolescents and young adults who are out of conventional treatment options another chance to beat cancer by documenting and sharing a molecular profile of their tumors. This year, the 40 participants played for 251 hours, 9 minutes on Saik’s property, known as Saiker’s Acres, east of the Edmonton suburb of Sherwood Park, where the game has been held since 2008. That is longer than the total of 250 hours, 37 minutes, 7 seconds achieved indoors by a cancer fundraising group in Buffalo from June 22-July 3. A real game with regular hockey rules and four on-ice officials must be played with two teams of 20 players. Five skaters and a goalie must be in play at all times for each team, and a video feed must be provided to Guinness officials. Once the game starts, no participant may leave the property until it’s finished. If someone is injured and can’t continue, no substitutes are allowed. Each player must be photographed on the ice at the beginning and end of the game. The ice may be cleaned and resurfaced for 10 minutes after every hour of continuous play. All of that dictates a schedule for the players that involves four-, five-, or six-hour shifts on duty, alternating with rest and sleeping periods. Most days, each player will play between 14 and 16 hours. For the record, the red team to a 1,830-1,691 win against the white/yellow team. https://www.nhl.com/news/worlds-longest-hockey-game-record-setting-cancer-fundraiser/c-296746420

We’re on a mission and looking for the best EA SPORTS NHL 18 gamers. Bragging rights, a $100K cash prize pool, tickets to the 2018 NHL Awards and capturing the Championship Trophy in Las Vegas are all up for grabs when the National Hockey League crowns its first-ever esports champion in June. Today, the NHL announced that registration for the 2018 NHL Gaming World Championship, an esports bracket-style tournament, is now open. Players can register here.

Honors/Milestones:

Alex Ovechkin scored his 60th NHL goal for the Washington Capitals on Monday. The 32-year-old forward scored twice in a 3-2 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets to become the 20th player and the only active player in the NHL to score 600. Ovechkin is the fourth player to do it in fewer than 1,000 games (990), joining Wayne Gretzky (718), Mario Lemieux (719) and Brett Hull (900).

Marc-Andre Fleurymade 38 saves for the Vegas Golden Knights to earn his 400th NHL victory, 3-2 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Monday. Fleury is the 13th goaltender with 400 wins, and third active, joining Roberto Luongo of the Florida Panthers (467) and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers (430).

Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine, Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand and Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending March 11. Laine led the NHL with five goals in three games to propel the Jets (41-18-9, 91 points) to a 2-1-0 week. Marchand paced the NHL with 4-4-8 in three games as the Bruins (43-16-8, 94 points) earned three wins in four contests. Malkin ranked second in the NHL with 3-5-8 in four games to lift the Penguins (40-26-4, 84 points) to a 3-1-0 week and back into first place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Vegas Golden Knights broke the NHL record for most road wins by a first-season team with a 2-1 shootout victory against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Saturday. Deryk Engelland scored, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 saves for the Golden Knights (44-19-5), who passed the 1993-94 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim with their 20th road win. Vegas leads the San Jose Sharks by 12 points for first place in the Pacific Division.

Add award-winning comedian to K. Subban‘s growing list of accomplishments. The Nashville Predators defenseman took home a Canadian Screen Award for his hosting performance in “P.K. Subban: Shots Fired” at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal last year. Subban was victorious in the best variety or entertainment special category at the sixth-annual show. He was part comedian and part emcee, telling jokes and introducing comedians during the one-hour show that took place Aug. 1, 2016, less than five weeks after the Predators acquired him from the Montreal Canadiens for Shea Weber. The show originally aired on CBC on Jan. 2, 2017.

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